Balancing Two Passions
Kevin Willocks, owner of The Dog Wizard Round Rock, exemplifies the modern entrepreneur who refuses to choose between stability and passion. Working with SBDC Advisor Luke Ortega Luper from the Texas State University SBDC, Kevin has successfully built his dog training services business while maintaining his full-time IT career. You can learn more about his services at thedogwizard.com/locations/us/tx/round-rock.
Not every entrepreneur follows the traditional path of leaving their day job to pursue their business dreams. Kevin proves that with the right planning and support, it's possible to excel in multiple arenas simultaneously. As a full-time IT professional with a passion for canine training, he has successfully built The Dog Wizard Round Rock as a thriving side business that serves the growing Round Rock community.
This dual-career approach requires exceptional time management, strategic planning, and most importantly, a solid business foundation—exactly what Kevin found through his partnership with the SBDC.
Strategic Planning for Franchise Success
After purchasing his Dog Wizard franchise, Kevin knew that passion alone wouldn't guarantee success. He needed a comprehensive roadmap that would guide both his immediate operations and long-term growth. This realization led him to SBDC Business Advisor Luke Ortega Luper, who became instrumental in transforming Kevin's franchise opportunity into a well-structured business venture.
The SBDC assistance provided Kevin with essential business fundamentals:
Business Plan Development: Luke worked closely with Kevin to create an outstanding, comprehensive business plan that addressed all aspects of the franchise operation, from daily operations to growth strategies.
Financial Projections: Understanding the numbers behind the business was crucial. Luke helped Kevin develop realistic financial projections that provided clear insight into revenue expectations, expense management, and profitability timelines.
Breakeven Analysis: Perhaps most importantly, Kevin gained a clear understanding of his breakeven point—the critical milestone that every business owner needs to know to make informed decisions about pricing, capacity, and growth investments.
Marketing Implementation: Beyond just writing the marketing plan, Luke provided hands-on support in implementing marketing strategies, ensuring that Kevin had both the blueprint and the practical skills to attract and retain customers in the competitive pet services market.
Thinking in Years, Not Months
One of the most significant transformations Kevin experienced through his SBDC partnership was a shift in business perspective. As he reflects on his journey:
"Luke has been pretty helpful in pointing me in the right direction for the SBA loan. I have been more tough in managing employees, and starting to think about the business in years instead of months."
This evolution from short-term thinking to long-term strategic planning represents a crucial milestone for any entrepreneur. It demonstrates Kevin's growth not just as a franchise owner, but as a business leader who understands the importance of sustainable growth, proper employee management, and strategic financial planning.
Representing Excellence in Entrepreneurship
The Dog Wizard Round Rock stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit within underserved communities. As an African American-owned business, Kevin's success contributes to the growing diversity of business ownership in Central Texas, inspiring other aspiring entrepreneurs who may see themselves reflected in his journey.
Kevin's story also highlights the growing trend of skilled professionals leveraging their expertise and work ethic to build successful side businesses, creating additional income streams while pursuing their passions.
The Dog Wizard Difference
The Dog Wizard franchise system focuses on positive reinforcement training methods that build strong bonds between dogs and their families. Under Kevin's leadership, The Dog Wizard Round Rock brings this proven methodology to pet owners throughout the Round Rock area, addressing everything from basic obedience to behavioral challenges.
With Kevin's IT background bringing analytical thinking and systematic problem-solving to the business, clients benefit from both proven training techniques and innovative approaches to canine education.
Looking to the Future
With a solid business plan, clear financial projections, and strategic guidance from the SBDC, Kevin is well-positioned for continued growth. The foundation he's built allows him to pursue SBA financing opportunities while maintaining the high standards that have made The Dog Wizard Round Rock a trusted name in the community. His journey from franchise purchaser to strategic business owner demonstrates the transformative power of proper planning, expert guidance, and long-term thinking.
Connect with The Dog Wizard Round Rock
Ready to give your furry family member the training they deserve? Visit The Dog Wizard Round Rock to learn more about their services and training philosophy.
